Reviews

FACTORY OF DREAMS..'POLES'

(ProgRock Records) Reviewed 4th September 2008

Ravenheart Music has put me in a position that has made me truly grateful to be able to listen to some great music. Now let's add the awesome cd by Factory of Dreams to the list. Factory of Dreams is a project by Portugese musician Hugo Flores, and this album 'Poles', features the angelic vocals of Swedish lass Jessica Lehto, and is a kinda Melodic, Progressive, Gothic, Atmospheric, Industrial Rock/Metal album. Yep, the whole lot! 11 enchanting tracks here that take the listener on an aural journey of musical bliss, that is captivating and atmospheric, until the journey brings you back to Earth again. I am not going to list individual tracks here, but the whole cd that lasts nearly 50 minutes is a lovely record, and is a worthy album to purchase for any fan of the Femme genre. And I want to add that the standard of musicianship on this record is very high, as is the artwork in the accompanying booklet. We are pleased to say that there is also an interview with Hugo and Jessica on this very website, so check that out, and then go buy this album. Trust me, you will not be disappointed, I promise! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

FACTORY OF DREAMS..'A STRANGE UTOPIA'

(ProgRock Records) Reviewed 12th November 2009

Portugese outfit Factory Of Dreams previous opus 'Poles' was reviewed here back in Sept 2008 and I was highly impressed with that release. Now what about 'A Strange Utopia'? This is another good record from the busy Hugo Flores and Jessica Lehto, and although I do admit that this will not be to everyone's taste, it should appeal to the fan who enjoys his Prog Rock/Metal. Again, the songs on offer are very well structured and quite technical. I call this type of music thinking person's music - do not expect verse chorus, verse chorus as it ain't gonna happen. 'Voyage To Utopia' gets things away, immediately giving us a feel for the music on offer. 'Inner Station' has an atmospheric intro and this track ranks as one of my faves on the cd - awesome violin too. But I have a feeling that on subsequent listens, other tracks will unveil their hidden qualities to me. 'Sonic Sensations' is another good tune that highlights the quality of Jessica's voice, while the awesome 9 minute + 'E-Motions' is another highlight on this album. Okay, this release is a grower, do not expect it to hit you immediately. But like most albums that grow, they are the ones that tend to hang around the longest. This sure is worth checking out, but if you like bands like Evanescence, or you are not very open minded regards your music, then perhaps steer clear. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

RACHEL FARRIS..'SOAK'

(Big 3 Records) Reviewed 7th January 2008

SOAK was originally released in 2003 in the USA (it is that copy I have here), but it will now be released internationally by Big 3 Records in 2008. And with a production team of Dino and John Elefante, plus Rachel herself, this debut album is a wonderful taste of modern melodic rock. On it she proves she's a little princess in this genre of music too. We have the opening salvo of 'You Think', the single 'I'm Not The Girl' and 'Soak', and listening to these great tunes, you know this release is something a little special. The pace slackens a little thereafter, but this is a little gem to track down, and hopefully, with a worlwide release it shouldn't be that difficult. We here at Ravenheart Music pride ourselves in the fact we are not stuck in a goth metal rut. Let's hope other people can say the same too. Rachel Farris is the name, and the cd is called SOAK. Get it! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

FIREFLIGHT..'THE HEALING OF HARMS'

(Flicker Records) Reviewed 7th August 2007

Fireflight is a Christian Rock Band from Orlando. They have produced an awesome cd of modern melodic rock. 11 tracks, and 35 mins of melodic mayhem. 35 mins seems a little short, especially when what's on offer is this good, but when it is this good, who's complaining! The best track to my ears is 'You Decide' which is a duet with Josh Brown who is with a band called DAY OF FIRE. Listen to the lyrics on this track and then you decide! But one decision you must make..buy this cd! 8/10 (Reviewed by Laura).

FIREFLIGHT..'UNBREAKABLE'

(Flicker Records/Sony BMG) Reviewed 17th April 2008

Another Christian Rock album to review. They are like London's buses, you go ages without seeing any, and then two turn up together. This effort by Orlando based Fireflight is a modern melodic rock album. 10 tracks of catchy and very accessible rock music. My faves on this cd include 'Unbreakable', 'Brand New Day', 'Forever' and 'Wrapped In Your Arms'. I like this cd, and I urge punters whether they are of faith or not to buy this album. Fireflight’s music offers a haven for the accused and beaten down, and gives an inspirational spark to trust and dream again. And as the title track proclaims, for all those who are broken and have lost their way, there is a hope and love that is Unbreakable. Buy the album and support their music, enough said. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

FLOWING TEARS..'INVANITY - LIVE IN BERLIN'

(Ascendance Records) Reviewed 19th November 2007

I like Flowing Tears, and this cd is a semi accoustic offering recorded at Passionskirche in Berlin, on March 3rd 2004, in front of a live audience. And thanks to the newly formed UK label Ascendance Records, this recording now sees the light of day. I am not a religious person by any means, but while listening to 'Invanity', one can get very easily wrapped up in the atmosphere of the church this cd was recorded in. As a consequence, this is certainly an album to relax and chill out to - not one for you all out headbangers. 'Invanity' will certainly be appreciated by the Flowing Tears fan base, although any fan of female fronted music should give it a listen. The studio recording of Nick Cave's 'The Weeping Song' featuring Johan Edlund from Tiamat, is a good listen too. This album is highly relaxing, enjoyable and fully recommended! 8/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

FLOWING TEARS..'THY KINGDOM GONE'

(Ascendance Records) Reviewed 13th December 2008

I have all of Flowing Tears releases, and I think we have a winner here, and indeed one of their best too. The voice of Helen Vogt I find very enchanting, and she has this distinctive vocal style that I like. Flowing Tears has always produced some pretty decent catchy gothy metal, more so with their previous studio release, 'Razorbliss'. 'Thy Kingdom Gone' nonetheless, sorta harks back to their earlier days, being heavier than their previous effort, but still with the rather catchy vibe that runs through their songs. This is a very good record, well produced (by guitarist Benjamin Buss), with competent musicianship and some decent songs to boot. Check out the opening salvo of 'Orchidfire' and 'Pain Has Taken Over' for proof. Further faves are the catchy up tempo 'Grey', 'Words Before You Leave' (awesome track), the doomier sounding 'Colossal Shaped Despair' and the atmospheric 'Kismet'. Overall however, the songs throughout this cd are very good, and well worth parting with your hard earnt cash. Ascendance Records are a fairly new UK label, and this release sure has to be a winner for the genre, and surely for the label too. Great stuff..buy!! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

FLYLEAF..'MEMENTO MORI'

(A&M/Octone) Reviewed 18th December 2009

Christian Rocker's Flyleaf's self titled debut was released in 2005 and was a dose of Paramore style rock that I totally adored, especially the track 'I'm So Sick'. Now we have been graced with 'Memento Mori' which carries on the good work of singer Lacey and her band. This may not appeal to the gothic metal heads out there, but I am open minded regards my music, and this is another awesome dose of pop/rock, continuing in the style of Paramore et al. And the lyrics mention amongst other things someone's daughter, this crops up in 2 or 3 of the songs on offer, and it seems she is missed (I have 2 daughters myself). Anyway, 14 tracks of hard hitting pop/rock, with the emphasis on rock. And when you have the names of Howard Benson (Production) and Chris Lord-Alge (Mixing), then I know we are onto a winner. Get it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

FOREVER SLAVE..'TALES FOR BAD GIRLS'

(Wacken Records/SPV) Reviewed 25th April 2008

This Spanish band fronted by the lovely Lady Angellyca released 'Alice's Inferno' a couple of years or so ago. That was a good release that reminded me of Leaves'Eyes. Their latest release, 'Tales For Bad Girls' carries on the excellent work, reminding me of both Leaves' Eyes and Evanescence. The growly vocals are nowhere near as prominent (if at all) on 'Tales For Bad Girls' and indeed, I think in this case makes for a better listening experience. This cd is chockful of catchy gothic metal, even with subtle touches of electronica on most of the tracks. And you will have to be a real miserable so and so not to be singing along and tapping your feet to most if not all of the songs on this album. I like this album, every track is a winner, even the slower and quite haunting and somewhat beautiful ' The Lovers'. It is sure worth checking out and certainly worth parting with your hard earnt cash, whether you are a bad girl or not! Buy it! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

FOR SELENA AND SIN..'OVERDOSED ON YOU'

(Mascot Records) Reviewed 7th November 2007

For Selena and Sin are from Finland, and this band are a new one on me. 'Overdosed On You' is an awesome platter and yet another release, that has been mixed at Finnvox Studios. The album kicks off with the melodic 'Who's Behind The Door', being followed by the strong 'Lost Like Dreamers Are'. The slower ballad 'Heal' maintains some form of heaviness, on a cd that proves that the female fronted scene is well and truly alive and kicking! Other highlights on 'Overdosed On You' are 'Ghost In The Family', 'Jubileum Of My Sorrow'...and, well, maybe I should stop there as the whole album is a highlight. I do not know how easy it is to track this down, but try, as it will be worth parting with your hard earnt cash. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

FOR SELENA AND SIN.. 'PRIMROSE PATH',

(Mascot Records) Reviewed November 2009

The second album by the Finish gothic rockers, following the excellent Overdosed on You, released back in 2007. They have a highly successful formula of laid back verses full of atmospheric keyboards, with the guitars kicking in for the soaring choruses. It certainly suits Annika Jalkanen’s pure, emotional voice. It kicks off with ‘Countdown to the Stars’ with a super catchy chorus, the wonderfully titled ‘Rusty Rails of Yesterday’ is highly anthemic, ‘Horst’ and ‘Colour My World’ are more symphonic, while ‘Broken Mirror’ and ‘Don’t Touch the Sky’ have powerful male vocals in the chorus that provides a nice contrast. Fans of Kylie Minogue and Angtoria will recognise their excellent version of ‘Confide With Me’. This is highly recommended for gothic and melodic rockers who like band such as Katra, Lacuna Coil, Paramore, and Delain, 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)